Jiří Prskavec

Canoe slalom world champion

About me

I was born in May of 1993, both of my parents were active in canoe slalom at the time. I have never seen my mom racing, but when I started it was she who taught me how to do canoe slalom. While my dad raced and mom was a physiotherapist of the team, I accompanied them during the world championships and observed all the racing happenings. This probably influenced me the most, because as a child I used to say: „One day I would like to start here. I will be that good in the future.“ When I was eight I started with training, mom coached me, and after a year my dad took care of me and he trains me to this day. To become one of the best canoeist of the world was my dream from childhood and I do my best to fulfill it. Thank to my dad I could have trained with the best junior racers in Czech Republic. It was an awesome experience and a big motivation for me. I have become the world champion this year, I have gained five gold, two silver and two bronze medals. What is my next challenge? Definitely, the Olympic Games!

First great win

In July of 2011 I stood on the podium in senior category. On the first big race I surprised all the competitors, because I ended up on the third place still as a junior competitor. I think it was really a miracle in my career.

2010

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First great loss on the world championship (WC)

In July of 2010 I loss hard the world championshop. It was my first World junior championship and i felt that I am one of the greatest favourite for the medal, unfortunately nervousness won and I didn’t make it through the semifinal. I ended up right under the dividing line. On the other hand it was the most important loss. Since then I could control my nervousness.

2005

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First broken paddle

July of 2005 was a special month for me – I broke my first paddle. It was the year in which i could rely on my technique and strenght as well. Anyway the result was that one beautiful day I paddled around the barrier and the paddle just broke.

2002

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Broken hand

In January of 2002 a broken hand put me out of the game. I don’t actually know, if I can say it like that. It was the only fracture which I have ever had and I didn’t even know about it. Me and my cousin were skiing in Austria and some German guy hit me on the hill. Everyone thought it is just a bruise, but when I had remarked that after three weeks of normal training my hand still hurted, I went to an x-ray. After it I figured out that the hand was broken, but it grow precisely.

2001

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First victory

In May of 2001 for the first time I tasted what the victory in canoe slalom means. I won my first race in the category of pre-cadets. It was a great feeling and canoe slalom got me totally.

2000

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First race

In September of 2000 I made it to my first race in canoe slalom. It was Czech Republic championship of cadets. in the city of Pilsen and I started in category of pre-cadets. Much to my surprise I ended up on the third place and the joy was indescribable.

1998

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Hip surgery

In November of 1998 I had to undergo hip surgery. I had Perthes disease. It was the worst experience ever and I remember to this day, how they took me to operating room and I am terribly scared. Before and after surgery I spent more than a year in hospitals overall.

1995

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First time in a canoe

In July of 1995 I was in a canoe for the first time with my mom in Prague.